Case Report: Orbital metastasis as the presenting feature of lung cancer

Poorly differentiated orbital neuroendocrine carcinoma

A man in his 70s presented with painless bilateral eyelid oedema and vertical diplopia. Evaluation showed a restrictive pattern of extraocular motility testing with MRI demonstrating significant enlargement of the right superior rectus and left superior oblique muscles along with right orbital fat stranding. Subsequent right orbital biopsy revealed poorly differentiated high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma without a systemic primary site on further diagnostic workup. The patient was treated with carboplatin and etoposide and passed away from an infection a month after diagnosis. This case along with a review of other published cases highlights the varied presentation of orbital neuroendocrine carcinomas that may mimic a broad differential of orbital processes, thus requiring careful diagnostic workup. Subsequently, additional considerations in metastatic evaluation should be based on tumour histological features.

Metastatic disease in head & neck oncology

The head and neck district represents one of the most frequent sites of cancer, and the percentage of metastases is very high in both loco-regional and distant areas. Prognosis refers to several factors: a) stage of disease; b) loco-regional relapses; c) distant metastasis. At diagnosis, distant metastases of head and neck cancers are present in about 10% of cases with an additional 20-30% developing metastases during the course of their disease. Diagnosis of distant metastases is associated with unfavorable prognosis, with a median survival of about 10 months. The aim of the present review is to provide an update on distant metastasis in head and neck oncology. Recent achievements in molecular profiling, interaction between neoplastic tissue and the tumor microenvironment, oligometastatic disease concepts, and the role of immunotherapy have all deeply changed the therapeutic approach and disease control. Firstly, we approach topics such as natural history, epidemiology of distant metastases and relevant pathological and radiological aspects. Focus is then placed on the most relevant clinical aspects; particular attention is reserved to tumours with distant metastasis and positive for EBV and HPV, and the oligometastatic concept. A substantial part of the review is dedicated to different therapeutic approaches. We highlight the role of immunotherapy and the potential effects of innovative technologies. Lastly, we present ethical and clinical perspectives related to frailty in oncological patients and emerging difficulties in sustainable socio-economical governance.